# smite

/smˈaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/smite
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to hit someone or something very hard, often with a weapon. It is an old word that people use today mostly in stories or when talking about God punishing someone.

For teachers: to strike or hit with great force, typically with a weapon or as a divine punishment. Often used in religious or literary contexts to describe a sudden, severe blow.

## Examples

- The hero was ready to smite his enemies.
- In many ancient myths, the gods would smite the wicked with lightning to teach them a lesson.
- The poet describes the divine wrath as a sudden and devastating smite that silenced the entire valley, leaving only the sound of the wind in its wake.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.